Point of View

This novel is written in the first-person point of view. Senhor Soares, who is assumedly an alter ego of author Pessoa, is both the writer and narrator of the book. This use of the first-person point of view is demonstrated by the writer's frequent use of the pronoun "I". Also since this is an autobiography, it follows that the text would be written from the first-person point of view.

This story is told primarily through exposition. There are only a very few places where Soares includes quotes from the people around him. This method of writing is used because Soares talks to and associates with very few people. He is mainly concerned with his own thoughts and feelings. This expository writing style is very appropriate for a person who isolates himself from other people.

Setting

The major setting of Pessoa's novel is Lisbon, Portugal. Soares' uncle...